The Orangery is a true Devon secret, a spectacularly hidden estate near Exeter with Capability Brown designed gardens and dramatic views across the estuary and down to the sea.

The Brief

Astley Media were tasked with creating an evening of magic and intrigue as the Orangery prepared to open the doors to guests for the first time in 275 years, to showcase the unique and breathtaking setting and the chance for guests to experience the exclusive facilities on offer.

In addition to being a dream escape away the Orangery also offers a unique creative venue, perfect for intimate events including strategy away days, private dining and entertaining clients.

Our Approach

Working closely with owners Philip and Kara Letts from the very beginning to ensure objectives and goals were met, Astley Media developed a detailed plan covering all aspects of the event, to ensure that the event left a lasting impression with the guests.

To build excitement around the event, the actual location was kept a secret, and guests were sent an exclusive invitation that hinted towards an evening of magic and mystery and were asked to meet for pre-drinks at Southernhay House Hotel where they were met by the AM team who kept up the secrecy.

They were whisked off to the venue in style by a convoy of white Land Rovers (courtesy of Land Rover Experience) still intrigued as to where they were being taken for the evening.

We wanted guests to experience and explore the grounds for themselves, they were greeted with cocktails on the Orangery terrace and then, armed with treasure maps, were invited to explore the beauty of the surroundings whilst being treated to tasty food (all sourced on the estate itself) in each main location complimented by drinks (courtesy of our partners St Austell Brewery and Frobishers).

The treasure maps took them to all areas of the estate including the Capability Brown gardens, plus the newly refurbished Victorian Sheds and Summer House as well as the Lake House and the Kitchen Gardens, where all the food from the evening had been sourced.

At the end of the evening, guests had a nightcap and were given an exclusive gift bag that included unique Orangery hand-made chocolates before being taken back to Exeter.

Astley Media kept up the communication around the event by keeping the Orangery twitter account up to date before, during and after the event, ensuring that there was plenty of live tweeting from the evening itself, with plenty of imagery and video.

The Astley Media team were involved from the initial conception, to creative ideas, planning, liaising with suppliers, handling invitations, designing supporting marketing material, gift bags, to hands on at the event, decorating the venue, adding the finishing touches and ensuring the evening ran smoothly.